An ectopic pregnancy is when the baby starts to develop outside the uterus (womb), most commonly in a Fallopian tube. The Fallopian tubes connect the ovaries to the uterus. Another term for an ectopic pregnancy is a tubal pregnancy - however ectopic pregnancies can also occur in the ovary or cervix.

If the pregnancy is in the tube it does not receive enough blood supply and nutrition to survive.

Sometimes the ectopic pregnancy will continue to grow until the tube ruptures (breaks) – this can cause severe internal bleeding.

Early diagnosis and treatment is important to prevent life threatening bleeding and also, if possible, so the tube can be saved and it can continue to work.

An ectopic pregnancy may present with all the signs of pregnancy - that is a missed period and a positive pregnancy test - however some women may not realise or consider they are pregnant.

If the pregnancy has implanted in the fallopian tube then unusual pain may occur. Sometimes the pain is associated with vaginal bleeding or spotting. The pain often becomes worse and may be associated with feeling faint and/or shoulder tip pain.

if the tube ruptures the woman may go into shock because of the large amount of internal bleeding.

Pregnancy must first be confirmed by a blood or urine test. A blood test is more sensitive than a urine test. If the hormone level is high enough on blood test and there is pain and spotting, then an ultrasound scan is performed.

If a pregnancy sac is not seen inside the uterus then an ectopic pregnancy is a possibility. Sometimes it is difficult to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy, as the pregnancy may be too small to be seen on ultrasound scan and there may not be much pain. If the diagnosis is uncertain the doctor may decide to admit you to hospital for observation and further tests.

The doctor may decide to perform a laparoscopy if there is a suspicion of an ectopic pregnancy. This involves having a thin telescope inserted through the belly button under general anaesthetic. The doctor is then able to see the tubes and ovaries clearly.

If an ectopic pregnancy is seen on ultrasound the doctor must decide how to best manage the situation. At laparoscopy often the pregnancy can be removed by squeezing it from the end of the tube. Sometimes a small cut over the tube is necessary to remove the pregnancy. If the tube is badly damaged then it is removed.

Occasionally, a laparotomy has to be performed. This involves a cut in the skin just above the pubic hair line. This is done if the ectopic pregnancy is difficult to remove via the laparoscope, or if there is severe bleeding. In this case a blood transfusion may be required, and is life saving.

A laparoscopy generally requires a one to two day stay in hospital, a laparotomy a little longer.

Alternatively in specially selected cases, medical management can occur using a drug called methotrexate. After having methotrexate treatment, your doctor may ask that you return on a regular basis. Initially day four and seven, then weekly to have follow up blood tests. This is to ensure that the pregnancy hormones return to normal, which is a value of less than five.

The loss of your pregnancy at any stage can have a huge impact on you and your partner. One day you are pregnant and planning your future life with your child, and then within a short time, your pregnancy ends. The ending of an ectopic pregnancy is a form of miscarriage – and the feelings that a woman and her partner may experience can be similarly difficult.

Each woman will cope with an ectopic pregnancy slightly differently.

Facing everyday life may be difficult for a while.

You may feel isolated, afraid to be alone, or you may not want to see anyone or continue your usual activities.

You may experience difficulty sleeping, vivid dreams or nightmares.

Whatever your feelings, allow yourself time to grieve, to cry, and to talk about the emotions you feel.

It can be a big help to find someone you can talk to, who will listen and understand.

If may help if you contact a support group and talk to other parents who have had a similar experience.

While you are recovering, do not expect too much of yourself, and try to be with the people you feel most comfortable around.

Your partner can also experience a wide range of feelings and may be unsure how to comfort and help you.

His feelings about the pregnancy will be different from yours.

You may each grieve in different ways and it is important to talk to each other and to be aware of each other’s feelings.

The topic Miscarriage has more information about feelings that you may be experiencing Miscarriage

Anyone who has experienced an ectopic pregnancy is likely to be fearful that it will happen again. Most women who have an ectopic pregnancy will not have one next time, but at least 12% (1 in 8 women) could have another ectopic pregnancy – especially if the tube ruptured or it is damaged.

It is normal to feel very anxious about any future pregnancies. It may help to talk about these feelings with your partner and your doctor. If you become pregnant again it is important to have an early ultrasound to find out the site of this new pregnancy.

Remember, you will feel better again and there are people you can talk to about this loss. These people include hospital social workers, chaplains, your doctor and SANDS members (in South Australia).

South Australia

The hospital you have been at may have a Women's Social Work service to provide support.

SANDS SA (Inc)SANDS (SA) is a support group in South Australia for parents and their family whose baby has died through stillbirth, neonatal death, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and medically advised termination.Phone 1300 072 637 (24 hours)

The SANDS website has information for bereaved parents and also for their relatives and friends. SANDS SA

There are SANDS groups in some other Australian states and information can be obtained from the SANDS Australia website http://www.sands.org.au